Thar Express in deep waters, may start in New Year

Jaipur, Nov 23 (UNI) The resumption of rail link between Munabao in India and Khokrapar in Pakistan is still in deep waters, with railway officials saying it may not start before next year.

The services of Thar Express were affected following the devastating floods in Barmer in August this year, which flooded the Kawas railway station, one of the main halts for the train.

According to S B Gandhi, Chief Communication officer, North-Western Railways, Kawas railway station is still inundated by four to five feet water and it is not possible to resume the crucial rail link between the two countries before next year.

''Only after the administration removes the water, the Railways will assess the damage to the railway tracks and other property and start repair works thereafter, which may take another month. Hence resumption of Thar Express will not be possible before the New Year,'' he told UNI.

Ghyamshyam Dadhich, deputy district collector, Barmer, admitted the Kawas station is still inundated. He said: ''There is about three-and-a-half-feet water in the station and we are using pumps to drain out the water. The railway DRM is here today to assess the situation.'' Mr Dadhich said it is difficult to drain out the flood water from Kawas and Malwa, the two most affected villages in Barmer, because of the gypsum reserves in the soil, which resists water absorption.

He said the administration is trying various methods to drain out the water like digging canals and pumping out water. But the villagers are sometimes averse to such ideas as the canals may pass through their property.

He confirmed Malwa also has three-feet water till now, adding he could not give a timeframe for clearing of water.

Mr Gandhi said apart from Thar Express, the routes of several other trains including Malani express and a passenger train from Munabao, has been affected due to the floods.

UNI RRT YA VV0914